Perfect Pairs

Dinner and drinks: the basic building blocks for every New York City evening. So why is it so hard to find the perfect spots? Don’t worry, we have your date (or friend) night covered. We picked our favorite eateries in neighborhoods all around the city and paired them with the just-right nearby lounges and bars for after-dinner cocktails. Get in touch with one of our experience advisers for reservations at these or one of your favorite dinner and drink destinations.

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Whether you’re uptown or in Chinatown, we’ve got an off-the-beaten-path (and delicious, of course) restaurant, plus the best (but not too crowded) watering holes for a nightcap or two. Our picks reflect the diversity of cuisine and culture that make New York special; in one night you can start with modern Mexican fare and margaritas and end with a Japanese-inspired sake cocktail. Find your dynamic duo to the right and then, bon appétit and cheers!

Don’t see your neighborhood on the list? Keep checking back. We’ll be adding more dinner + drink combos regularly. Or get in touch with us directly for personalized recommendations and reservations.

1. Cobble Hill

F.o.b. BrooklynF.o.b. stands for fresh off the boat, and that boat has just arrived straight from the tasty shores of the Philippines. Chef Armando Litiatco barbecues Filipino-style chicken skewers on a lava rock grill for an intensely earthy flavor and pairs them with a side of pickled papaya. The trendy ube (purple yam) shake topped with coconut tapioca pearls is also a must. 271 Smith Street

Photo courtesy of FOB Brooklyn

Elsa BarNamed after Italian fashion-designer powerhouse Elsa Schiaparelli, this reboot (the original closed in 2014) is back with a vengeance. The Prohibition-themed bar features a gorgeous vintage Singer sewing machine as a centerpiece, cushy leather banquettes, and swanky marble tables. Order the absinthe-heavy Werewolf Season with a citrus twist and grated cocoa, then see if you can resist snapping a selfie in the mirrored tunnel bathrooms (don’t worry, everyone does). 136 Atlantic Avenue

Photo by Oliver Haslegrave

2. Williamsburg

Sunday in BrooklynThe scent of freshly baked bread hits you as soon as you enter this comforting three-story, farmhouse-style space that, in addition to the warm carbs, serves seasonal American-style tapas, including deviled eggs with smoked paprika (out favorite), wood-roasted maitake mushrooms, and a black cod pastrami with sourdough, pickles, and homemade sour cream that is a more refined version of the Katz’s sandwich we grew up loving. Make the most of the rooftop garden during the summer, then retreat to the cozy interiors when the wind chills. 348Wythe Avenue

Photo by Gary Landsman

WestlightFeel like a titan of industry (or whatever’s your bag) at the ultra-mod lounge atop Williamsburg‘s crown jewel, the William Vale Hotel. This glass-enclosed bar offers breathtaking views of the Brooklyn and Manhattan skylines, and the chic patrons are just as attractive. Try the New Kind of Kick cocktail, made with blended scotch, Fernet, thyme, orgeat syrup, lemon, and Suze. 111 North 12th Street

Photo by Noah Fecks

3. Chinatown

LalitoResembling an old-school ’70s diner, Lalito is not your average Mexican restaurant. If you’re sensitive to spices, order the juicy pollo asado with green pineapple hot sauce (not that hot), with cilantro and lime. Otherwise, the veggie-heavy menu here is your oasis. We love the curried chickpeas huarache and the chorizo-stuffed squid. But whatever your dish, pair it off with the simply delicious coconut rice and beans. 104 Bayard Street (between Baxter and Mulberry Streets)

Photo by Liz Barclay

The CrownWe know Chinatown as the place you go for the best dumplings you’ve had in your life or to buy fun trinkets for a quarter of the price. Prepare yourself to add breathtaking views from the 21st floor of the buzzing 50 Bowery to your neighborhood expectations. The property itself pays homage to the area and its inhabitants with historic photographs of Chinatown prominently on display throughout the space. The seasonal, Asian-inspired cocktails employ local produce. What better drink to have after Mexican food than the Thai Basil watermelon margarita? 50 Bowery (between Bayard and Canal Streets)

4. West Village

RahiJourney through India at Rahi—which means “traveler” in Hindi—by way of New York. Chef Chintan Pandya uses local produce and modern cooking techniques for his upscale take on traditional Indian fare. Think: chilli cheese toast with Amul cheese; shishito peppers; and micro-bean slaw and eggplant bharta with charcoal smoke, cumin, and coriander. Its pungent garlic naan, though, is as doughy and pungent as they serve it in Calcutta; don’t pass it up. The decor is warm, comfortable, and distinctly contemporary, with murals made by spray-paint artists Yok & Sheryo over crisp white-brick walls. 60 Greenwich Avenue (between West 10th and 11th Streets)

Photo courtesy of Rahi

Bar MogaIf we designed our own dream bar, it couldn’t be better than this sumptuously designed, intimate gem. Modeled after 1920s Japanese cocktail lounges where women and men mingled for the first time (moga means “modern girl”), this bar is perfect for first dates—and all the dates you’ll inevitably have after an evening in this golden-lit, tony spot. We always start with the Woman in the Dunes cocktail, made with barley shochu, coffee liqueur, and toasted almonds for a gentle wake-me-up—so we can enjoy Moga for longer. 128 West Houston Street (between Sullivan and Thompson Streets)

Photo by Asia Coladner

5. Lower East Side

JaJaJaA vegan Mexican restaurant is a rarity, but even the most devout carnivores in your life would regret passing this place up. The veggie burger (made with a blend of pintos, quinoa, and beets) will make you forget you’re not eating a beef patty; it doesn’t hurt that it’s loaded with guacamole and an artichoke chipotle aioli with a powerful kick. The beet and pumpkin empanada, meanwhile, tastes like a grown-up version of what you’d get on the streets of Corona, Queens. What’s not to love about kabocha squash, swiss chard, chimichurri, and pumpkin queso baked in piping-hot dough? 162 East Broadway (between Essex and Allen Streets)

The Flower ShopThe design theme at this LES haunt is what we affectionately call “Brady Bunch basement bar”—expect lots of chartreuse and floral upholstery, wood-paneled walls, and a ’70s jukebox and pool table. It’s a lively, fun place in which to follow up your chips and guac with a cold beer. 107 Eldridge Street (between Broome and Grand Streets)

Photo by Kyle Dorosz

6. Upper East Side

MajorelleRestaurateur Charles Masson has brought a real gem to the UES. Located in the Lowell Hotel, Majorelle is the epitome of romanticism and class; French- and Moroccan-inspired cuisine sets the tone for the night, while the relaxed garden setting will make you feel like you’re dining in Paris’s 11th arrondissement. Its tajine de couscous a l’agneau is a sophisticated, melt-in-your-mouth take on the traditional lamb stew. 28 East 63rd Street (between Madison and Park Avenues)

Photo by Elizabeth Lippman

Sugar EastIf you look back fondly on the Cuban cigar bars of yore, you’re in luck. Thanks to a grandfathered-in license, you can happily puff away here. Resembling a Havana nightclub, the semi-hidden, sexy cocktail lounge will leave you vacay-ready. Nothing makes us feel more off the grid than a delicious fruity beverage; in this case, it’s the grapefruit cocktail with lavender honey, frothy egg whites, and a splash of tequila. If you’re still hungry, its modern take on the classic Cubano will do the trick; the mango and Gruyére are nice change-ups from the usual pickle-and-swiss combo. 1125 First Avenue (between East 61st and 62nd Streets)

Photo by Ian Baguskas

7. Flatiron

NurChef Meir Adoni honed his craft in Paris, blossomed in Tel Aviv, and is now breaking big in NYC. Although difficult to get into nowadays, Nur is a true Middle Eastern adventure. The Damascus qatayef—a crispy Syrian pancake filled with lamb—is a must, as is the sea bass paired with an eggplant cream and freekeh risotto. The best part of your meal is a generously large plate of mixed Middle Eastern sweets sent to your table when you’re paying the bill. Thank you, how did you know that’s exactly what we wanted? 34 East 20th Street (between Broadway and Park Avenue South)

Raines Law RoomAn unmarked door with a single doorbell marks the spot in Flatiron. Walking into Raines is like stepping into the pages of The Great Gatsby, complete with gold ceilings, tufted seats, and velvet curtains. In lieu of strolling up to the bar, you can pull a switch at your table to summon a server dressed in a 1920s getup (lots of vests and suspenders). But do get up for a walk around the space; the naughty wallpaper throughout will be sure to catch your eye. 48 West 17th Street (between Fifth and Sixth Avenues)

8. Astoria

GaijinGaijin, meaning “outsider” in Japanese, makes you feel anything but at this lavish yet approachable omakase in Astoria. The sushi bar is surprisingly laid-back for the delicate offerings served during the hour-and-a-half-long service. If you’re not in the mood to indulge in a dozen pieces of sushi and sashimi, an à la carte menu is available for the faint of heart. 37-12 31st Avenue

Photo courtesy of Gaijin

The Last WordIf you’re looking to do some HGTV renovations around your apartment, don’t expect to find any tools here. Yes, the storefront may resemble a hardware store, but tucked away inside is an alluring and secretive (shh…) craft cocktail nook, complete with exposed brick walls and red velvet curtains. The spirits menu is extensive, but the Fat Monk embodies all the characteristics of a power player with ingredients like pear-infused Pueblo Viejo, frothy egg whites, and citrus bitters. 31-30 Ditmars Boulevard

Photo courtesy of The Last Word

9. Upper West Side

White Gold ButchersApril Bloomfield’s latest spot is a carnivorous paradise, and not just because it moonlights as a butcher shop. The lamb here is extraordinarily juicy and drenched in curry and comes with a bit of spicy yogurt, while the crispy layered potato is not your average side dish (it’s basted with beef fat and served with smoked trout roe and kefir). 375 Amsterdam Avenue (at West 78th Street)

Olma Restaurant and BarThere’s no other way to follow up choice, grade-A beef and lamb than with caviar and champagne. If you’re looking and feeling like a million bucks, order the White Sturgeon tasting platter; it comes with 20 generous ounces of caviar, which will complement your glass of Veuve Clicquot quite well. 420 Amsterdam Avenue (at West 80th Street)

Photo by Edward Eliachov

10. East Village

Thursday KitchenKorean food with a Spanish influence and playful drinks? What could be a mess turns out to be miraculous here. We worship Thursday Kitchen’s fluffy edamame dumplings, the crispy chicken drenched in sweet and spicy sauce, and almost all of the share plates available. And its drinks are like a (literal) light in the darkness: The glow-in-the-dark Ms. Cuteini cocktail—soju, muddled cucumbers, and bitters—comes in a pouch with a straw, à la a Capri Sun. 424 East 9th Street (between First Avenue and Avenue A)

Photo courtesy of Thursday Kitchen

Ghost DonkeyYour night of youthful drinks can continue at this convivial Mexican cantina: Though there’s plenty of tequila on the menu, we recommend trying the Prosecco and Paletitas, a fruit-and-booze Popsicle dunked in a glass of champagne. Salud!4 Bleecker Street (between Bowery and Elizabeth Street)